3/16/2014 |
Opening statement? Verlander makes his caseManager Brad Ausmus hasn't announced his Opening Day starter, and he wasn't inclined to take Justin Verlander's hint and do so Sunday. The current pitching schedule puts Verlander on track to be on regular rest for March 31, while Max Scherzer could start that day with an extra day's rest.

3/16/2014 |
Rejuvenated Wood making case for Cleveland 'penIt's hardly uncommon for a pitcher to shed a good deal of weight and enter Spring Training stronger. Or to be coming back from a major surgery. Or to make tweaks in his delivery. But all of the above? If you're Blake Wood, yes.

3/16/2014 |
Punto supports Strike Out Cancer initiativeNew A's infielder Nick Punto, inspired by a charitable cause near his home in Orange County, is serving as something of an unofficial team ambassador for the Strike Out Cancer initiative launched by Cardinals reliever and former teammate Jason Motte.

3/16/2014 |
Five batters hit by pitches in Sunday's gameThe Phillies and Pirates have played three Grapefruit League games this spring, and the Phillies have been hit by pitches seven times, while the Pirates have been hit five times. It made for a relatively interesting few minutes in the Phillies' 5-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday at Bright House Field.

3/16/2014 |
Gwynn's defense, versatility may help him onto rosterThe Phillies need to finalize their bench before Opening Day on March 31, and Tony Gwynn Jr. is making a case to be one of the team's extra outfielders. He has particularly impressed Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg with his defense, which is something the Phillies could use.

3/16/2014 |
Bourn departs early with tight hamstringIndians outfielder Michael Bourn left Sunday's game against the Giants in the middle of the second inning with left hamstring tightness and will be re-evaluated Monday.

3/16/2014 |
Roenicke sends Blazek to regroup at Triple-AThe Brewers on Sunday optioned right-handed reliever Michael Blazek to Triple-A Nashville. Blazek had a 10.80 ERA and eight walks to three strikeouts in five innings this spring.

3/16/2014 |
Bradley shows improved approach against PriceEven on a day David Price had dominant stuff, Jackie Bradley Jr. was still able to take a strong cut against the ace lefty and hammer a double into the gap in left-center.

3/16/2014 |
A's send prospect Russell to Minor League campThe A's were hoping to show off their top prospect in a big league park during the annual Bay Bridge series next week. Instead, an injured Addison Russell was sent down to Minor League camp on Sunday.

3/16/2014 |
CC spins five hitless innings vs. MarlinsThe cheers flowed easily once more for Mariano Rivera, but the best performance of the afternoon belonged to CC Sabathia, who hurled five hitless innings in the Yankees' 7-0 victory over the Marlins on Sunday at Rod Carew Stadium.

3/16/2014 |
Kemp's spring routine returning to normalMatt Kemp, who has been taking a cautious approach in his return from offseason ankle surgery, will stay in Arizona to continue Spring Training at Minor League camp.

3/16/2014 |
Bonds' week as coach 'a lot of fun'Barry Bonds' one-week stint as special Giants hitting coach ended on a positive note, and he's available to continue at the largess of manager Bruce Bochy.

3/16/2014 |
Injury puts Miley in position to start openerWade Miley will throw the first pitch of the regular season when he takes the ball in place of Patrick Corbin for the first game of the Opening Series in Sydney, Australia.

3/16/2014 |
Rose Jr. putting father's lessons to work in dugoutManaging baseball never will be about Xs and Os for Pete Rose Jr. He considers himself to be in the people business, and the 44-year-old is beginning his fourth season as part of the White Sox system. His philosophy won't change, even if he someday follows in the footsteps of his legendary father and manages in the big leagues.

3/16/2014 |
Wada remains in the mix for rotation spotTsuyoshi Wada, who gave up four runs on five hits and two walks over two innings on Saturday against the Mets, will continue to start for the Cubs as the team works on completing the rotation in the last two weeks of Spring Training.

3/16/2014 |
Opening Day 'just another game' for NolascoTo Twins right-hander Ricky Nolasco, pitching on Opening Day will be just another start. Not that he's taking the recently assigned honor lightly; that's just how Nolasco approaches the game.

3/16/2014 |
Top prospect Baez getting work at second baseCubs top prospect Javier Baez, who is set to open the season as Triple-A Iowa's starting shortstop, will get some exposure to second base with Chicago as Spring Training wraps up.

3/16/2014 |
Hundley, Padres catchers working on framingIf there's been one constant to Nick Hundley's spring, it's his morning video sessions with Padres assistant general manager A.J. Hinch and their discussions about catching mechanics, including pitch framing.

3/16/2014 |
Rivera impressing with strong bat this springThe Padres feel strongly about Rene Rivera's ability to call a big league game from behind the plate, how he handles a pitching staff and the other components that go into catching. They're starting to feel better about his bat, too.

3/16/2014 |
Christiani might get opportunity to impact RedsThings might be finally aligning in Nick Christiani's favor this spring. Not only has he made a good showing in camp, but spots have also opened in the Reds' bullpen because of injuries.